Knitting often conjures ideas of chunky jumpers and cosy scarves, which is all well and good in the winter or if you live in Antarctica your whole life. But most of us knitters know that knitting can be classy, classic and really rather foxy when it comes down to it. And Jane Waller’s Knitting Fashions of the 1940s is one of the best books for showing you exactly that.
Jane Waller’s fabulous book features nearly 60 fantastic vintage patterns that have been updated for today’s knitters. All are presented in a gorgeously glossy hardback that is designed to stay open as you knit.
My favourite pattern has to be the Sea Waves Jumper, which I cannot wait to knit. But there is also possibly the finest knitted tiger toy I have ever found. The tiger looks like a family heirloom just waiting to be stitched.
There is also a men’s Pull-On Vest, which wouldn’t look out of place on the coolest of Emo boys, and the chic cover pattern of an Evening Ladies Jumper. There are even knitted WW2 service men toys for a bit of a history lesson.
The beauty of it is that this book isn’t just about a kooky new look or pandering to the retro in you. It gives a thorough and fascinating history of knitting from the beginning of the 40s through to the start of the 50s, and provides an overview of the design, style and practicality of the garments.
My friend and I met Jane Waller recently at a knitting show (she was kind enough to let my friend try on one of her creations). She told us she wants to "encourage today’s knitters to work on the vintage patterns over time". You can knit them alongside your faster project, picking them up and putting them down as you fancy. They will last much longer than that quick chunky knit shawl, and give you that retro-classic look.
The creations you conjure from this stylish book will win you more “where did you get that?”s than you can possibly imagine. And they’ll bring out the Betty Grable or Errol Flynn in you.
Related articles The V&A Museum website: a knitting treasure trove | Retro heaved: genuine 60s and 70s patterns available for free online
